Aroma: “Moderate spice and vanilla, light hops, caramel, and toast, very light ethanol, big fruit. Rye pepper character. Some vanilla, oak, wood. Surprising tropical fruit notes. A hint at some rye spiciness, but the overall impression is quite unexpected but very pleasant. A touch of smoke.”

Flavor: “Vanilla and wood/oakiness. Outstanding love-it-or-hate it rye avor. Spicy, musty, and earthy—it’s everything you want from rye. Some fruity esters add pleasant complexity, while the hops bitterness delivers just the right amount of support for the substantial malt structure. Pleasant alcoholic warmth.”

Overall: “Wonderfully surprising and delicious, this beer uses the rye well to enhance the properties of the barrel. This is a well balanced sweeter beer with just a touch of bitterness from the barrel and hops.”